Do you feel any discomfort in your jaw when you eat or talk? Maybe your upper and lower teeth don't fit together properly? Or do you feel that there is a slight difference in the shape of your jaw when you look in the mirror? As a solution to such problems, doctors sometimes suggest jaw surgery. It is actually quite common to feel scared and have a lot of questions in your mind because this is a bit of a big deal. But today we will talk about everything in a very simple way that you can understand.
What exactly is Jaw Surgery?
Simply put, this is called Corrective Jaw Surgery or, in medical terms, ``Orthognathic Surgery.'' This involves changing the structure of your jawbone, realigning your upper and lower jaws so that they are aligned and in the correct position. When the jaws are out of alignment, it can interfere with things like eating and speaking.
But this is not something that can be done all at once. This is a process that takes about two to three years. It involves surgery, as well as orthodontics. Think of it like building a house. First, you need to build the foundation (the roof), and only then can you put the furniture (the teeth) inside the house properly.
This process usually goes like this:
- First step: Your teeth will be prepared for surgery by inserting braces (orthodontic treatment).
- Step Two: Jaw surgery is performed to properly position your upper and lower jawbones.
- Step Three: After the surgery, the teeth are still braced for a while, to help them stay in place in the new jaw.
This surgery is usually performed after the jaw has stopped growing, which means around the age of 17-18.
What are the main types of jaw surgery?
There are three main types of jaw surgery. Your doctor will choose one of these types depending on where your problem is.
| Type of surgery | Why are you doing this? |
|---|---|
| Maxilla surgery / Maxillary osteotomy | This surgery is performed if your upper jaw has come too far forward or has gone too far inward. |
| Mandible surgery / Mandibular osteotomy | This is necessary if your lower jaw is protruding too far forward or inward. |
| Double jaw surgery / Bimaxillary osteotomy | This surgery is recommended if you have problems with both your upper and lower jaws. |
What conditions are treated with jaw surgery?
Oral and maxillofacial surgeons use these surgeries to treat a variety of conditions. For example:
- Broken jaws
- Cleft lip and palate
- Jaw cancer
- Jaw cysts and tumors
- Malocclusion - This includes conditions such as overbite, overjet, and underbite.
- Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA)
- Prognathism
- TMJ disorders
- Smaller or larger size of the hook
Sometimes these surgeries are also performed to reconstruct the skull after an accident.
How do you prepare before surgery?
You will be on a liquid diet for several weeks after surgery. Therefore, it is a good idea to prepare soups, smoothies, soft fruit that can be blended and drunk, and boiled vegetables before surgery.
Arrange for a trusted friend or family member to take you to the hospital and back home. Because you will be given anesthesia, you will not be able to go there and back alone.
Another thing, get the medicine your doctor gives you from the pharmacy in advance. That way, you'll have everything you need when you get home after the surgery.
What happens during the surgery?
Before the surgery begins, you will be fully anesthetized. This means you will be completely asleep. So you will not feel any pain .
What happens next may vary depending on your situation, but the surgeon will usually do the following:
- The skin is cut (incisions) in places where it is necessary to reach the jaw bone. Most of the time, these incisions are made inside the mouth. So the scars are not visible from the outside. However, sometimes one or two small incisions may need to be made on the outside of the jaw.
- Small incisions are made in the jawbone.
- Bring your hook to the exact position you need.
- If necessary, bone fragments are removed, the shape is changed, or new bone fragments are added.
- The hook is fixed with surgical wires, screws, or plates to hold it in place.
- The cuts are sewn back together.
- A special splint is placed over the teeth for stability.
This is a somewhat complicated surgery, so it can take about one to four hours.
What happens after the surgery?
Sometimes you can go home the same day as your surgery, but more often than not, you will need to stay in the hospital for one to three days. During that time, the medical team will monitor your recovery.
It is common to experience the following side effects after surgery:
- Bruising
- Jaw swelling
- Nasal congestion
- Sore throat
- Tenderness
These symptoms should subside within a week or two. Most people can return to work or school after three to four weeks. However, if you have severe pain that does not go away even with medication, you should tell your surgeon.
Remember these things during recovery.
You need to be patient during the recovery period. These tips will help you.
- Don't forget the splint: Use the splint your doctor gives you to help your mouth muscles get used to the new jaw position.
- Keep your head elevated: Sleep with your head slightly elevated with pillows. This will reduce facial swelling.
- Apply ice to the bite: Within the first 24 hours, apply an ice pack to the outside of the bite. Apply for 20 minutes, remove for 10 minutes, and then apply again.
- Visit the dental clinic for braces: If you have braces, you will need to keep them in place for about 6-9 months after the surgery. Visit the clinic regularly during that time.
- Follow a bland diet: Nutritious foods are very important during your recovery. Ask your doctor about ways to incorporate nutrients into your liquid and bland diet.
- Take your medication exactly as prescribed: Take your medication exactly as prescribed to reduce pain and the risk of infection.
- Wear a retainer: After removing your braces, you will need to wear a retainer to hold your teeth in their new positions.
What time do you want to see the doctor?
When you return home after surgery, you may experience some problems. If this happens, you should talk to your doctor immediately.
| When to call the doctor urgently | |
|---|---|
| Fever | If the body temperature is higher than 100.4 Fahrenheit (38.3 Celsius). |
| Pain | If the pain is getting worse instead of decreasing. |
| Difficulty breathing | If you feel difficulty breathing. |
| Signs of infection | If something like pus is draining from the wound, or if the skin around the wound feels hot to the touch. |
| Vomiting or diarrhea | If you have persistent vomiting or diarrhea. |
A jaw surgery is a major operation that will affect your life for a few weeks or months. But it can significantly improve your quality of life. So if you're considering this, it's important to be very confident in your decision.
Take-Home Message
- Orthognathic surgery is a surgical procedure that realigns the upper and lower jaw bones. This can help correct problems with eating, speaking, and appearance.
- This is a 2-3 year process that includes orthodontics before and after surgery.
- It can take several months or even a year to fully recover after surgery. The first 6 weeks are the most important.
- During your recovery, eat fluids and soft foods, sleep with your head elevated, and follow your doctor's instructions exactly.
- If you have any unusual pain, fever, or signs of infection, call your doctor immediately. Since this is a big decision, discuss all your questions with your doctor and clear any doubts you may have.
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